Fluid Supply Cover Kit for Exposed Valve and Conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid supply features for toilets and sinks are aesthetically unpleasing due to exposure, prone to corrosion and rust, and difficult to maintain or replace without shutting off the water supply.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising multiple components that can be interconnected with each other and with the fluid supply feature, including the conduit and valve, to create a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing appearance while maintaining operational functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional fluid supply features are used with exposed conduits and valves, then the structure is simple and easy to install, but the appearance is aesthetically unpleasing and prone to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The kit components are designed to nest around the existing conduit and valve assembly. The cylindrical component fits over the conduit, the valve cover component fits over the valve, and the escutcheon plate component provides an outer decorative layer. This nested structure improves appearance while maintaining the simplicity of the underlying fluid supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
The kit uses flexible covering components including a cylindrical cover that can be fitted over the conduit, a valve cover that encapsulates the valve body, and an escutcheon plate that covers the wall opening. These flexible shell-like structures protect the exposed surfaces from corrosion while improving aesthetics without requiring structural changes to the fluid supply system.
2Reliability
If exposed surfaces are left uncovered, then maintenance and cleaning are straightforward, but corrosion and rust occur more readily
Solution Approach 1:
The kit employs flexible covering components including a cylindrical cover over the conduit, a valve cover protecting the valve body, and an escutcheon plate covering the wall opening. These shell-like structures create a protective barrier against moisture and corrosive environments while maintaining smooth surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The kit components are constructed from materials that combine aesthetic appeal with corrosion resistance. The covers and plates use composite or coated materials that provide both protective properties against rust and smooth surfaces that facilitate easy cleaning and maintenance.
3Ease of repair
If the water supply is shut off for maintenance or replacement, then the fluid supply feature can be serviced, but water service is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The kit is divided into separate modular components: a cylindrical cover for the conduit, a valve cover for the valve assembly, and an escutcheon plate for the wall opening. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed or removed without affecting the entire fluid supply system, enabling maintenance without shutting off water supply to the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The kit extracts the aesthetic and protective functions from the core fluid supply system. By adding separate covering components that can be independently installed and removed, the system allows maintenance of the underlying conduit and valve without requiring removal of the entire assembly or interruption of water service.
4Ease of manufacture
If larger opening is provided in wall/floor for assembly, then components can be easily assembled, but gap around conduit increases requiring larger escutcheon plate
Solution Approach 1:
The kit uses a nested structure where the escutcheon plate component serves as an outer decorative frame that can accommodate variations in conduit positioning and gap sizes. The plate is designed with sufficient margin to cover larger openings created during assembly, eliminating the need for precise positioning while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of modifying a fluid supply feature having a conduit communicating fluid from a source to a valve through which fluid is delivered to a point of use. The method includes the steps of: obtaining a kit made up of a plurality of components; and interconnecting the plurality of components with each other and at least one of the conduit and valve to thereby maintain the plurality of components in an operative relationship wherein the plurality of components overlie an exposed surface on at least one of the valve and conduit.